3 Tips for Preventing Heat Loss and Getting the Most Out of a Home's Heating System
Planning the perfect romantic night at home should include not only candles, a bottle of wine, and soft music, but also make sure that the heating is working properly. While snuggling under a blanket is nice, no one wants to be forced under the blanket because of a chilly room. This article will give homeowners some ways to set the perfect temperature for date night and save energy costs in the process.
Pro Tip #1: Track Down the Drafts
While homes are not meant to be completely airtight structures, ensuring there is minimal travel of air in from the outside and vice versa is important to keeping a home comfortable and reducing energy costs. As a house grows older, insulation and the seals around windows and doors can break down, creating gaps that allow cold air to enter. Drafts are fairly easy to remedy as long as they are not a structural issue. A few of the quick ways to fix a draft include the following installations:
- Apply Weatherstripping: These handy strips of foam or silicone typically have an adhesive backing and can be cut with a box knife or scissors. They can be installed around doorways and on the bottoms of window sashes to create a seal. This can add a bit of extra protection to aging windows and doors.
- Insulate: A home may need more insulation if the chilly breezes seem to be seeping through the wall itself. When installing insulation, remember that the r-value indicates the heat loss protection the insulation provides. The higher the number, the more efficient the insulation.
- Apply Caulking or Expandable Foam: Sometimes drafts come from a larger gap than can be dealt with by weather stripping, but the gap is too small for thick insulation. Expandable foam is the perfect solution. Caulk can also be used to fill in gaps that are too narrow for weatherstripping.
Pro Tip #2: Install Energy Star Windows
Installing new windows may seem like an extreme measure for date night, but it may be something to consider if a person is in a long-term relationship with their home. Windows and doors are the weak points when allowing drafts into the home. And even great windows cannot last forever. Also, all windows are not created equal regarding heat loss protection. Energy star windows have been certified as energy efficient and can reduce energy spending by as much as 12%. Things to look for when preparing to install windows are:
- A low U rating (0.3 or lower)
- Multiple panes of glass
- Noble gas-filled panes
- Installation by a professional according to the manufacturer's instructions
Pro Tip #3: Get Maintenance Done By a Reliable Heating Contractor
If a problem is noticeable with a home's heating, homeowners need to hire an HVAC technician to maintain, repair, or replace the unit. An HVAC unit may do a simple job, but it is a complex machine and requires proper training and an understanding of that training to make it function properly. Homeowners should find a company with mostly good reviews and willing to answer their questions without hesitation.
About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Offering 24/7 emergency service and NATE-certified technicians, Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has been working with the people of Danbury, CT, and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years. Call them today for HVAC service!
